By|Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Federal Government has announced a March 31, 2026 deadline for the reopening of the long-troubled Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, signaling what officials describe as a major turnaround for one of South-East Nigeria’s most notorious highways.
The Honourable Minister of Works, David Umahi, made the declaration on Monday during an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects in Enugu State. The projects include the expressway and the Eke-Obinagu Flyover, both key to easing transportation challenges in the region.
Umahi expressed confidence that the highway—once associated with frequent tanker explosions, fatal accidents, and crippling traffic congestion—has entered a new phase of safety and reliability under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the minister, the ongoing reconstruction involves a significant upgrade in road engineering, with large portions of the dual carriageway being converted from asphalt to more durable concrete pavement. The road, spanning approximately 107 kilometres on each side, is part of a broader federal infrastructure overhaul.
He noted that the intervention has already begun to change public perception of the route, which had for years symbolized infrastructural neglect and economic disruption in the South-East.
In addition to structural improvements, the project includes modern safety and environmental features such as solar-powered street lighting and tree planting along the corridor. Umahi said these additions are designed to enhance visibility, reduce accidents, and promote sustainability.
The minister also revealed that similar upgrades are being extended to critical sections in Anambra State, particularly around the head bridge axis, where asphalt designs are being replaced with concrete to align with modern standards.
While addressing concerns about project costs, Umahi clarified that pricing is subject to multiple layers of approval, including oversight by regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Public Procurement and the Federal Executive Council.
He emphasized that the standards applied to the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway are consistent with other major national projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.
Umahi urged residents of the South-East to support ongoing federal efforts, cautioning against misinformation and divisive narratives. He described the infrastructure push as part of a broader agenda to integrate the region more fully into national development.
As part of the directive, the minister instructed relevant authorities to officially reopen the expressway on or before March 31, framing the move as a symbolic development ahead of the Easter period.
The reopening is expected to bring relief to commuters, transporters, and businesses that rely heavily on the vital economic corridor linking Enugu and Onitsha.
